The New England Patriots have been without top wide receiver A.J. Brown since he suffered an ankle injury in the team's Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
That could soon change, as Brown is officially eligible to return from injured reserve (IR) in Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season.
The Patriots have not yet provided a definitive timetable for Brown's return. As such, they haven't indicated whether they will activate the 29-year-old wideout ahead of their Week 6 game against the New York Jets.
Nonetheless, Brown's return appears to be on the horizon, which will provide a boost to a Patriots offense that has looked significantly improved since its 29-26 win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 4.
Here's what to know about Brown's status and the depth chart
behind him as the Patriots prepare for Week 6.
When will A.J. Brown return?
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was asked whether Brown would be able to return to the field in Week 6 during a news conference on Monday, Oct. 12.
"There’s a chance," Vrabel told reporters.
Vrabel did not provide any additional details about Brown's status. The Patriots will not hold their first official practice of the week until Wednesday, Oct. 14, at which point more may be known about his chances of playing against the Jets.
But even if Brown doesn't play in Week 6, it appears the veteran is set to return to the lineup soon, barring a setback in his recovery.
Patriots WR depth chart
The Patriots have just four healthy receivers on their 53-man roster with Brown and Mack Hollins (calf) out of action. Below is a look at the pecking order within the unit:
- Romeo Doubs
- DeMario Douglas
- Efton Chism III
- Kyle Williams
After a slow start to his time with the Patriots, Doubs has found his footing. He leads the team with 219 receiving yards and two touchdowns but has only 13 receptions in five games.
Meanwhile, Douglas is coming off a two-touchdown outing against the Las Vegas Raiders while Chism and Williams have scored once each in bit roles with the franchise.
Even so, Brown will immediately rise to the top of New England's depth chart upon arrival. He's the Patriots' clear-cut top receiver and is expected to play a major role in the team's offense when healthy.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When will AJ Brown return? Latest injury update on Patriots WR
